Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Fort Collins is 136% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,661/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 43%
$83,598/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 33%
$548,400 ↑ 320%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 76%
$1,692/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 45%
169,705
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $714/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $8,568/year.

Median household income is $27,696/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Topeka — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Topeka?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $714/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Topeka?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $27,696/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Kansas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Topeka details →

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